Source: University of Notre Dame's Center for Aquatic Conservation

Located in the center of the planet's greatest freshwater resource, Michigan has a unique role as steward and caretaker of the majestic Great Lakes. They contain almost 20 percent of the world's fresh surface water, and Michigan is the only state entirely within their basin. The rivers, streams, ponds and groundwater that are the Lakes' lifeblood are also the backbone of the Michigan economy, essential to the health of its ecosystems and vital to our very identity as Michiganders. Unfortunately, our water resources are at continuing risk.

The Facts - Our water resources are at risk

• Decaying sewer infrastructure and increased pesticide and fertilizer runoff from homes and fields are increasingly placing our water resources in jeopardy.
• Toxic fallout from polluting industries and a plague of invasive species have combined with other threats to imperil the watershed. The Great Lakes region is already losing upwards of $200 million a year due to impacts by aquatic invasive species.¹
• At stake are vast economic resources like a $7 billion fishing economy and the health of residents who rely on the lakes for water to drink, fish to eat, and recreation for leisure.²

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Sources:

¹ University of Notre Dame's Center for Aquatic Conservation

² Pure Michigan